A platform on the Norwegian continental shelf was using a conventional nonbiodegradable water clarifier to reduce OIW to low levels, suitable for disposal of the produced water. However, the operator wanted an alternative product with a lower environmental impact.
Following a detailed investigation, SLB identified a starch-based water clarifier and formulated a test product. Its performance was compared with that of the incumbent treatment on a sample of produced water from the platform. The new product was found to be equally effective, and the operator agreed to test it offshore. Consequently, the test product was formulated into WT-11033 and shipped to the platform for a full-scale test.
The trial was a success. Injection of ecologically sound WT-11033 at a concentration of 10 ppm reduced OIW values downstream of the degasser to less than 10 mg/L. The new product outperformed the legacy treatment, which necessitated injection at 11 ppm to achieve the same level of OIW.
